In a thrilling match held at Kyocera Dome Osaka, Orix has achieved a significant victory over Nippon-Ham, with a final score of 4-1. The highlight of the game was Riku Katayama, the sixth overall pick in the Orix draft, who celebrated his first professional win on the mound. Katayama expressed his excitement after the game, attributing his success to teammate Tomiya’s dramatic walk-off three-run hit, saying it felt like a “Gotsu win.”
Though Katayama did not feature in the winning relief lineup, he has made 10 appearances this season, bolstered by support from pitching coach Higa, who emphasized the importance of a strong mindset. Higa, who pitched 418 times during his career, consistently encouraged Katayama, granting him the wisdom that mental preparation is as critical as physical readiness.
Katayama, hailing from Otofuke, Hokkaido, noted that the heat in Osaka was manageable for him, reflecting on his experience performing in the Dome since June. Additionally, rookie Teranishi, ranked second, continues to make waves with two wins under his belt, while Mugiya, ranked first among fielders, is also contributing significantly to the team.
Orix manager Kishida lauded Katayama’s hard work, underscoring a bright future for the rookie as a starter, aligning with the recent trend of Orix’s resilience and budding talent. The victory marks Orix’s eighth walk-off win this season, alongside the praise for Tonmiya’s remarkable hit that sealed the game.
Katayama’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience, having faced setbacks such as the cancellation of the 2020 Spring Koshien Tournament due to the pandemic. He played a crucial role in guiding NTT East to the semi-finals of the 2022 Intercity Tournament before joining Orix. With an estimated annual salary of 8 million yen, the 22-year-old is determined to keep evolving in his baseball career.
As fans and teammates celebrate this momentous win, the positive energy surrounding the young players, especially Katayama, symbolizes new beginnings and hope for upcoming Orix games. Their collective efforts and spirit reflect a promising season ahead for the team.